East Asian Languages and Cultures Celebrates 50 Years at UMass Amherst

The program focuses on teaching Japanese, Chinese and Korean language and culture commemorates 50 years with a series of spring semester events
UMass students of Japanese learning taiko drums during their Kakehashi trip sponsored by the Japanese government in 2014.
UMass students of Japanese learning taiko drums during their Kakehashi trip sponsored by the Japanese government in 2014.

AMHERST, Mass. –This academic year marks the 50th anniversary of the East Asian languages and cultures (EALC) program in the department of languages, literatures, and cultures at UMass Amherst. EALC, formerly Asian languages and literatures, was started in 1969 under the guidance of the late William Naff. Its original mission was to teach Chinese and Japanese language and literature. Over the years, it has grown to incorporate new fields, such as language pedagogy and linguistics, and Korean Language and culture. East Asian Languages and Cultures offers bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees in Chinese and Japanese language and culture and a certificate in Korean language and culture. To commemorate the first 50 years, East Asian languages and cultures will host a series of cultural events, bringing awareness of the cultural riches of Asia to the campus and the community at large.

 

Chinese Ritual Folk Music Concert: Zhou Family Band

Friday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Bezanson Recital Hall, Fine Arts Center

The Zhou Family Band, a traditional wind and percussion ensemble, features music played for more than 600 years at birth and end-of life ceremonies in Central-Eastern China. The musicians of the Zhou family have been performers for seven generations, and represent the finest of the Chinese folk music tradition. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

Round Table: East Asian Languages at 50: Past, Present and Future

Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:30 p.m.

Great Hall, Old Chapel

This roundtable, moderated by Amanda Seaman, will feature emeriti professor in the Chinese and Japanese programs, including Chisato Kitagawa, as well as East Asian librarian Sharon Domier.

 

Shakuhachi and Koto Concert: “Eastern Light: Music for Japanese Instruments”

Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.

Great Hall, Old Chapel

James Noryaku Schlefer is a teacher, composer and performer of the traditional Japanese flute, called “shakuhachi.” He will perform with Yoko Reikano Kimura, koto player and vocalist. They will perform a concert of contemporary and traditional Japanese classical music.